Smart city initiative a key area to promote development: French envoy

PUDUCHERRY: France today said India's project for developing smart cities is a key area to promote sustainable solutions for development.

"The ambitious project of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for development of smart cities is a key area to promote sustainable solutions for development. France welcomes the Indian proposal to become partner for Smart Cities Development Programme," French Consul General in Puducherry Philippe Janvier Kamiyama said.

The envoy was speaking at the 'At Home' reception hosted by him on the lawns of the French Consulate, marking the celebration of the 226th National Festival of France today.

"France is ready to implement its best technological solutions and to share its experience in the field of integrated sustainable cities, particularly in terms of urban planning, urban networks, water and sanitation and sustainable mobility and digital technologies," he said.

He claimed that "this was particularly true in Puducherry where we have a confident and regular dialogue with local government".

"We are committed to provide all necessary assistance in the form that suits them for this project to succeed. People here can also see their city become the best possible one offering a high quality of life," he said.

The Consul General said "in the field of economy France welcomes the initiative 'Make in India' launched by the Prime Minister of India."

R Radhakrishnan, MP, said there was a lot of common platform between India and France in science, tourism, education and technology.